Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device comprises a rigid endless tubular ring having an internal bore, a handle element extending radially across a main aperture bounded by the ring, and a weighted freely movable element received in said ring for movement therearound. The handle element is attached to the tubular ring via first and second attachment portions which extend around the tubular ring for improved stability. By gyrating the exercise device to cause the ball to roll within the ring, a user is able to generate inertial resistance within the device and improve the strength in his or her wrist and other body parts. The exercise device is designed to be used in a one-handed or two-handed mode of operation. The attachment portions extending around the tubular ring stabilize the junction between the ring and handle, allowing greater ball weights and larger diameter rings to be used.

The present invention relates to an exercise device, and moreparticularly but not necessarily exclusively to an exercise device forexercising and training, fingers hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and stomachrelated muscles.

Whilst the fitness industry has been developed globally and can becommercially very profitable, to date little focus has been placed ondeveloping exercise equipment for the hand and wrist. It is known toprovide a wrist exerciser in the form of a spherical hand-heldgyroscope. This hand gyroscope comprises a spherical housing and acomputer balanced flywheel which is able to revolve freely inside. Byrotating the wrist, the flywheel starts to spin. When spinning, force isexerted on the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and even chest. Theforce is dependent on the speed of rotation of the flywheel. A drawbackof this construction is that the hand gyroscope is relatively expensiveand complicated to manufacture, primarily due to the number of componentparts. Furthermore, in order to use the hand gyroscope effectively, theuser must learn a new and relatively obscure technique, which can act asa barrier to new users. This is a problem particularly for users who areundergoing rehabilitation and/or therapy to the wrist/hand area.

Additionally, such a spherical hand-held device cannot be used toexercise other body parts, such as the stomach.

It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise device whichreduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise devicecomprising a rigid endless tubular ring having an internal bore, ahandle element which extends radially across a main aperture bounded bythe ring, and a weighted freely movable element received in said ringfor movement therearound, the handle element being attached to thetubular ring via first and second attachment portions which extendaround or substantially around a lateral extent of the tubular ring forimproved stability.

The exercise device is advantageous because it is straight forward andintuitive to use.

The construction is robust and is designed to withstand daily use inenvironments such as hospitals and gyms without incurring a significantrisk of breakage. By having minimal component parts, the exercise deviceis simple and relatively cost-effective to manufacture.

Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth independent claims 2 to 26.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show moreclearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise device,in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an elevational side view of a second embodiment of anexercise device, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 3.

Referring firstly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an exercise device isindicated generally at 10. The device 10 includes a rigid endlesstubular ring 12 having an internal bore and a weighted movable element13, shown in phantom, disposed within the tubular ring 12. An elongatehandle element 14 is connected to the ring 12 and extends across anaperture 16 bounded by the ring 12.

Preferably, the weighted movable element 13 is a ball which is rollablyreceived in the ring 12 for free and unrestricted travel therearound. Byway of example only, the ball may be solid. However, the ball mayinclude a hollow core, for example. Preferably, the ball is madeentirely from metal or other dense material. Preferably, the ball has amass of 100 to 400 g.

The ring 12 is or is substantially toroidal shaped and has a uniform orsubstantially uniform circular lateral bore cross-section along itslongitudinal extent. Furthermore, the interior diameter of the ring 12is also preferably uniform around the inner circumference, and likewisethe outer diameter of the ring 12 is preferably uniform or substantiallyuniform around the outer circumference. The lateral cross-section of thebore of the ring 12 and/or the outer surface of the ring 12 may howeverbe non-circular, such as elliptical or oval.

The diameter of the lateral cross-section of the bore is greater thanthe diameter of the ball 13 such that the ball 13 is able to freely movealong the inside of the ring 12 without or substantially withoutrestraint.

An inner surface of the ring 12 is preferably at least substantiallycovered by a shock absorbent liner 15, shown in phantom, for examplebeing a rubber coating. This absorbs the shock of the ball 13 passingaround the ring 12 in use. The purpose of the liner 15 is to reduce theamount of noise and vibration caused by movement of the ball.

As shown in FIG. 1, two grip portions 18 are provided on an outersurface 20 of the ring 12, and project at least in part outwardly. Thegrip portions 18 are positioned, in this case, diametrically opposite toeach other on the ring 12. Each grip portion 18 comprises a plurality ofspaced hemispherical protrusions 22 disposed on or adjacent to upper 24and lower 26 faces of the ring 12. The protrusions 22 are also spaced sothat a first number face generally outwardly and a second number facegenerally inwardly.

In this embodiment, each protrusion 22 is formed integrally as one-piecewith an outer surface of the ring 12. However, the protrusions 22 may bebumps or nodules made of a different material and fixed to the outersurface 20 of the ring 12. The protrusions 22 are preferablyequi-angularly spaced along the circumference of the ring 12.Beneficially, the protrusions 22 form a massage element by which auser's hand or other body part can be massaged.

The ring 12 is preferably moulded plastics, but may be made from metal.Furthermore, the ring 12 may be transparent, semi-transparent,translucent or opaque. The diameter of the ring 12 in this case is 265mm. The diameter of the outside lateral cross-section is 45 mm. However,the general size of the exercise device 10 may be increased or decreasedto suit a particular exercise or group of users. The ring 12 istypically formed in two endless circular channel parts which are, forexample, snap-fit interconnectable to form the ring 12.

The handle element 14 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with thetubular ring, and comprises a substantially linear central portion 28that terminates in first and second attachment portions 30 and 32. Thecentral portion 28 is generally square, oval or circular in lateralcross-section, and preferably includes an ergonomic grip portion 34. Thecentral portion 28 may comprise a series of laterally extending elongategrooves or ridges. Such grooves are substantially perpendicular to theupper and lower faces 24, 26 of the ring 12.

The first and second attachment portions 30 and 32 are suitable for useas a display surface for indicia. Each attachment portion 30, 32preferably laterally extends or wraps around the tube wall of the ring12 so as to encompass and surround the lateral extent of the tube.

The attachment portions 30, 32 are preferably flared, being generallyfrusto-pyramidical in shape, and have two short opposing sidewalls 36,two long opposing sidewalls 38 and a generally rectangular non-planarbase 40. This provides an improved surface area for a user to grip,whilst also improving the stability at the junction between the handleand the ring 12. This therefore provides for a heavier ball 13 and/or aball 13 with greater frictional resistance, in addition to a largerdiameter ring and more rigorous usage.

An aperture 42 is provided through the short sidewalls 36 for receivingthe ring 12 therethrough. The position of the handle element 14 relativeto the ring 12 is fixed in use. The base 40 of the attachment portions30, 32 in this embodiment curves circumferentially and axially forenhanced ergonomics. Although curved, the base 40 may be planar in atleast one direction.

A further grip portion 44 is provided on or by the base 40 of each firstand second attachment portion 30, 32. Each grip portion 44 includes aplurality of protrusions 46 a extending radially outwards from the base40. In this embodiment, the protrusions 46 b are similar to thosedescribed above, and are spaced and generally part-spherical, such ashemi-spherical.

However, any other suitable shape of protrusion may be used.

The protrusions 46 a are equi-angularly spaced along the circumferenceto ensure an evenly distributed grip. The grip portions 18, 44 preventor limit slippage between the hand of the user and the exercise device,when in use.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a second embodiment of the exercise device10 is shown. Like references refer to like parts, and further detaileddescription is therefore omitted.

As best seen in FIG. 3, a counter 48 is provided on the long sidewall 38of one of the attachment portions 30, 32 of the handle element 14. Thecounter 48 is used to count the number of times the ball 13 passes therespective attachment portion 30, 32 during an exercise session. Thecounter 48 may use circuitry to generate an electromagnetic field whichis disturbed by the passing of the ball 13, or for example an opticaldevice such as an LED and photoreceptor which is broken by the passingof the ball 13.

The counter 48 is advantageous for the user who wishes to develop theirstrength and endurance by monitoring the number of revolutions the ball13 makes around the ring 12 over time. It is envisaged that the counter48 may be positioned at any suitable position along the ring 12 or onthe handle element 14 as desired provided that the location is fit forpurpose.

In a modification, the counter may be additionally or alternatively acalorie counter. In this case, the energy expended to move the ball 13through one revolution of the ring 12 may be determined and thusdisplayed by the counter as a calorific value. A revolution monitoringmeans would typically be provided to monitor the passing of the ball 13,and this may be a magnetic sensor, for example, where the ball 13 wouldinclude a ferrous material. The output would be supplied to a caloriedetermining means, typically being a electronic circuit, which wouldcalculate the calorific expenditure based on the number of revolutions,and thus output the result to a display on the handle or the ring forthe user to view.

A further difference between the first and second embodiments of theexercise device 10 is protrusions 46 b on an outer surface of theattachment portions 30, 32. In this case, the protrusions 46 b aregenerally rectilinear or elongate as best seen in FIG. 2. This would bebeneficial in providing a different kind of grip and/or a variant of themassage element.

In the above embodiments, the handle element 14 is made in twosubstantially similar longitudinal halves and clamped together eitherside of the ring 12. The two halves are secured to each other using apair of hex bolts 50 which are positioned at or adjacent to an innermostedge 52 of the ring 12. However, any other suitable securing means maybe used, for example, a snap-fit engagement between the two handleelement halves, or bonding. The handle element 14 is preferably madefrom moulded plastics and may be hollow.

In use, the user can hold the exercise device 10 in a number ofpositions, for example, by gripping the central portion 28 of the handleelement 14 using one hand or by gripping the ring 12 at the two ringgrip portions 18 using two hands. The user gyrates the exercise device10 to cause the ball 13 to travel in a circumferential or longitudinaldirection in the bore of the tubular ring 12. By repeating this movementover time, the strength in one's wrist is improved.

The exercise device can beneficially be held by the grip portion 34 ofthe handle element 14, or the further grip portions 44 of the attachmentportions 30, 32 of the handle element 14, or by the diametricallyopposed grip portions 18 integrally formed as part of the tubular ring12. Combinations of grip can also be advantageously utilised.Furthermore, the grip portions can be held against other body parts andsupported thereby, for example, by being pressed against a user'sabdominal region whilst the device 10 is gyrated. This enable working ofother muscle groups aside from just the wrist and hand area.

In brief, use of the exercise device 10 is beneficial for people whohave undergone surgery on the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, shoulder andare undergoing subsequent rehabilitation to improve the strength and/orflexibility of that body part, or for users who wish to strengthen thecore abdominal muscle group. The exercise device 10 is also beneficialfor people undertaking therapy following an injury or for those simplywith a desire to improve their current strength and/or flexibility, suchas the elderly or infirm. The movement is of a non-impact nature and isintuitive, making the device ideal for users of all ages and abilities.

In a first modification to the above embodiments, the tubular ring andor one or both attachment portions of the handle element may be providedwith an access opening to the bore of the tubular ring. The accessopening is closable by an openable access cover, thereby together withthe access opening providing an access element. Preferably, the accessopening would be in an inner side or a top side of the tubular ring toprevent the access cover being unduly pressurised during use. The accessopening is dimensioned to allow the weighted moveable element to passtherethrough when being removed and/or inserted. As such, a plurality ofdifferently sized and/or weighted movable elements can be provided forselection and insertion into the tubular ring. This modification allowsa user to change and selectably adjust the weighted movable elementdependent on the kind of workout required.

In a second modification, an axial grip is provided which extendscoaxially with the axis of the tubular ring. The axial grip thus wouldextend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly relative to thelongitudinal extent of the handle element. Conveniently, the axial gripmay be formed integrally as one-piece with the handle element. However,it may be demountably attachable to the handle element, for example, byscrew-threaded attachment and/or clamping. The axial grip is preferablyergonomically shaped to accommodate a user's hand, and may include anenlarged head at its free distal end to prevent or limit slipping from auser's hand. In use, the tubular ring would thus sit above or below auser's hand gripping the axial grip. By gyrating the axial grip and thusthe tubular ring, a different exercise option is provided for the userwhich may specifically target the bicep, tricep and forearm musclegroups.

The axial grip may be connected to the tubular ring, thus dispensingwith the need for the handle element, either as a support or altogether.In this case, instead of an axial grip, the grip may have legs and anon-axial grip which is spaced from but which extends substantially inparallel with a plane of the tubular ring. The non-axial grip wouldtypically be supported by the legs at its ends. Other ends of the legswould connect to the tubular ring and/or the handle element.

Although the weighted movable element has been described as being aball, the element could alternatively be a weighted arcuate packet orreceptacle containing a solid such as sand, or even a fluid or gel. Theweighted moveable element could alternatively be an elongate solidcylinder or roller element. In this case, the roller element wouldtypically have an arcuate longitudinal axis to match an arc of thelongitudinal axis of the bore of the tubular ring 12.

Although the handle element has been described as being elongateterminating in first and second attachment portions, the handle elementcould take the form of a, preferably solid, plate mounted within thecentral opening of the ring. In this arrangement, the plate is a discwhich may extend across the full aperture bounded by the ring and isattached to the ring, for example continuously, along the innermost edgeof the ring. In this case, the disc would be circular or substantiallycircular. A plurality of finger holes may be provided for gripping. Inthis case, the finger holes may extend from one face of the disc throughto the other, or may be bottomed. In use, the user places their fingersinto the finger holes to hold the exercise device. As in the firstembodiment, the user gyrates the exercise device to cause the ball totravel circumferentially along the inside of the ring. By repeating thismovement over time, the strength in at least the user's fingers andwrist-related muscles are improved. Depending on the form of movementtaken, other body parts may be exercised in a similar way.

Although preferably circular, the plate may be non-circular so as toonly provide a grip across a segment of the circular aperture of thetubular ring.

Although the bore of the tubular ring may have a shock-absorbent liner,additionally or alternatively the weighted freely movable element, suchas a ball, may have the shock-absorbent coating.

The tubular ring may be formed of metal, such as aluminium, and thiswould be beneficial for a more sturdy device for use, for example, bymen. In this case, having the higher friction liner with ametal-surfaced movable element, such as a metal ball, provides increasedresistance to movement and thus an improved workout. The higher frictionliner may be a shock-absorbing material, such as rubber or elastomer,and this is useful for damping undesirable vibrations generated duringrotation of the movable element in the tubular ring.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, andvarious changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention asdefined by the appended claims.

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 27. An exercise device comprising a rigidendless tubular ring having an internal bore, a handle element whichextends radially across a main aperture bounded by the ring, and aweighted freely movable element received in said ring for movementtherearound, the handle element being attached to the tubular ring viafirst and second attachment portions which extend at least substantiallyaround a lateral extent of the tubular ring to improve stability. 28.The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which an inner surface ofthe tubular ring includes a higher-friction layer having a coefficientof friction which is greater than that of an outer surface of thetubular ring.
 29. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which ashock absorbent liner is provided at least partially along the surfaceof the bore.
 30. The exercise device as claimed in claim 29, wherein theshock absorbent liner is or includes rubber.
 31. The exercise device asclaimed in claim 27, further comprising a calorie counter having adisplay, a revolution monitor, and a calorie determiner which outputs acalorie total to the display based on a number of revolutions of themovable element monitored by the revolution monitor.
 32. The exercisedevice as claimed in claim 27, in which the tubular ring has two endlesschannel parts which are interconnectable to form the bore of the tubularring.
 33. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the handleelement includes an ergonomically shaped grip.
 34. The exercise deviceas claimed in claim 27, in which the first and second attachmentportions are flared with respect to a longitudinal extent of theelongate handle element to improve grip and stability.
 35. The exercisedevice as claimed in claim 34, in which the first and second attachmentportions are generally frusto-pyramidal shaped, with a base thereofextending along a circumferential portion of the tubular ring.
 36. Theexercise device as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least one of thefirst and second attachment portions include grip elements.
 37. Theexercise device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising at least onegrip portion integrally formed as one-piece with the surface of thetubular ring tom enable gripping of the exercise device.
 38. Theexercise device as claimed in claim 37, in which the grip portionincludes a plurality of radially-outwardly projecting spacedprotrusions.
 39. The exercise device as claimed in claim 38, in whichthe grip portion includes at least one of part-spherical and rectilinearshaped protrusions.
 40. The exercise device as claimed in claim 39,further comprising a further said grip portion on the first and/orsecond attachment portions.
 41. The exercise device as claimed in claim37, in which two said grip portions are provided on the tubular ring,said grip portions being diametrically opposed to each other.
 42. Theexercise device as claimed in claim 37, wherein the grip portion is atleast in part a massage element.
 43. The exercise device as claimed inclaim 27, in which the weighted movable element is a rollable element.44. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which an outersurface of the weighted movable element is coated with a high-frictionmaterial.
 45. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, furthercomprising an access element to enable access to the bore of the tubularring.
 46. The exercise device as claimed in claim 45, wherein aplurality of different selectable said weighted movable elements isprovided and receivable through and removable from the access element.